Now i know that i should stay at my job for 2 years and save up 3.5 to 5 % for a FHA loan but i thought id ask about any other advantages maybe a side job or a better job opportunity anything to start investing now than later. 

Obviously, I have read and studied the mixed opinions on paying off each property or leveraging your equity to grow your monthly cash flow, and I definitely see advantages too both strategies.

They have some good advantages.

Any advantages to going the hard money route or just causing myself a headache and costing money?

I guess one of my fears is getting taken advantage of as a first time investor.

Take advantage of your pro membership and use the analysis calculators here on BP.

Given this what are you thoughts on 1: Getting a great agent( currently talking to a few, but if you are one or know one feel free to message me) finding off market slightly distressed multi-family up to a 4plex.2: Taking a FHA 203k loan so I can take advantage of rates and low down payment since you all know RE in LA is ridiculous(creative mortgage brokers feel free to message me as well) and yes it would be my primary residence and I would be occupying one unit3: Rehab and rent the other units and STR my unit for the part of the month I’m on the east coast adding to cash flowSo all that being said and understanding that I do know LA is a tenant friendly city and not the best for landlords, and that my intention is to actually do most of my investing back east1: Do I have to wait a year to cash out refi out of the original FHA?

The more favorable terms with the longer term, better LTV, and fixed rate (with rates being so low) seemed like an opportunity I wanted to take advantage of.

I currently own a property that has appreciated quite a bit and I would like to take advantage of the really low interest rates before they go up.

Neither approach is without problems, both have advantages and disadvantages.